BOGOTA: A Colombian military C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying 125 soldiers and crew members crashed shortly after take-off on Monday, killing at least 66 people and injuring dozens, officials confirmed.
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The aircraft went down shortly after departing from Puerto Leguizamo near the borders with Ecuador and Peru, scattering burning wreckage across a jungle area.
According to a military source, among the deceased were 58 soldiers, six air force personnel, and two police officers. Initial reports from local officials had indicated lower casualty figures as rescue and recovery operations were underway.
Authorities said investigators are probing the cause of the crash. The area has seen increased military activity in recent weeks as Colombian and Ecuadorian forces conduct operations against drug trafficking networks and armed groups.
Images from the scene showed civilians gathered around the broken tail of the aircraft as smoke and flames rose above the dense forest. The aircraft was identified as FAC 1016.
Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating it was too early to determine what caused the crash and offering condolences to the victims’ families.
General Carlos Fernando Silva Rueda said the aircraft was transporting troops to an Amazon outpost, while regional officials noted that difficult terrain and limited airport infrastructure complicated evacuation and rescue efforts.
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion in the air before witnessing the aircraft descend near populated areas. Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the incident as a “horrific accident” and highlighted the need to modernize military equipment.
The crash marks the second incident involving a C-130 Hercules aircraft in South America within a month, raising renewed concerns about aviation safety and operational conditions in the region.
